Promising notice to flyers! Boarding passes cannot be charged extra by airlines, says Aviation Ministry

• Image Credit: Internet

• Jul 21, 2022 | Poonam Nath

Aircraft Rules of 1937 state that an additional amount is not under the instructions of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Digital Desk: According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, airlines cannot charge additional fees when handing out boarding passes at check-in counters in airports. 

The largest airline in India, IndiGo, currently charges a fee if a passenger requests a boarding pass at the check-in counter.

The ministry of civil aviation posted on Twitter, "It has come to MoCA's attention that airlines are charging additional amount for issuing boarding passes from the passengers." According to the 1937 Aircraft Rules requirements, this additional amount is not under the instructions stated.

The airline continued, "Given the preceding, airlines are advised against adding additional fees for issuing boarding passes at airport check-in desks because these costs cannot be included in the "tariff" as defined by Rule 135 of the 1937 Aircraft Rules. Competent Authority has given their approval for this."

The ministry mandated that passengers check-in online and print their own boarding passes starting on May 21, 2020.

However, on May 9, 2022, the ministry issued an order directing airlines to "minimise or avoid" levying fines on passengers who did not complete web check-in and to enable, facilitate, and direct passengers.

The practice of airlines charging an extra fee for issuing boarding passes at airport check-in counters is not in compliance with the May 9 order, the ministry claimed on Thursday.